"Why would someone from Wano Country appear in the East Blue?"
"As of now, there's only one guess—it might be that he followed someone from the past."
Michael shook his head.
If he spoke too much about this, it would definitely raise suspicions.
Knowing a few big events could still be considered normal, but being so clear on private family matters would be a bit strange.
Shimotsuki Kozaburo left Wano during the country's era of isolation—perhaps he went in search of his sister, Shimotsuki Furiko.
And who is Shimotsuki Furiko?
She's the grandmother of the green-haired swordsman—Roronoa Zoro—the Straw Hat Grand Fleet's senior officer, one of the Worst Generation, the disciple of the world's greatest swordsman, and the number one directionally challenged member of the Straw Hat Pirates...
"Regardless, the East Blue is incredibly rich in resources, and none of the major powers truly have a strong grip on it. Out of the four seas, it's absolutely the most suitable place to establish a base."
"Also, countries like the Kingdom of Sorbet in the East Blue are not that uncommon."
"As someone originally from the East Blue, you should know this even better than I do, Dragon."
Dragon's expression was calm, but he nodded.
"So now that everyone understands what our goal is, next, as Chief of Staff, I'm issuing a new directive."
"Starting today, Olvia, I want you to select a group of educated people to assist you in taking charge of the Revolutionary Army's literacy program!"
"If there really aren't enough suitable people, make a trip to Alabasta—Clover and the others have already established a solid foothold there."
"Wa–wait a second!" Ginny suddenly panicked. "You mean, besides combat training, we also have to..."
"That's right! There will also be culture classes!"
As Michael said this, he was clearly a little excited. His pristine white wings suddenly spread open, and waves of gentle Holy Light washed over everyone, bringing with it a sense of warmth.
But the smile on his face was devilishly wicked.
In stark contrast, everyone felt a cold chill in their hearts.
A bunch of people in their twenties... and they still had to go back to school!?
"You brats, listen up!"
"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun—but only culture and civilization can solidify that power!"
"I have no intention of overthrowing the World Government just for you all to become the next batch of Celestial Dragons due to your ignorance!"
Michael's voice was sharp and firm, his eyes brimming with a terrifying killing intent.
In that moment, everyone realized...
The Chief of Staff was absolutely serious!
...
"Michael, where have you been these past few days?"
"Where could I have gone? Just found some random uninhabited island to train on, that's all." Michael casually lied to Gion without a shred of guilt. "You know, I don't want my Devil Fruit abilities to be revealed to the world so soon, and I can't let the Celestial Dragons track my movements... I bet they're also just waiting for a chance to sic CP0 on me, right?"
Michael shrugged.
To be honest, that last part was mostly just something he said.
Stussy definitely didn't report her encounter with him.
The Celestial Dragons were probably still brooding over it.
"Really? You were just training?"
"If you went to places like Pleasure Street, you're dead meat! I'll absolutely report you to the Navy's Internal Affairs!"
"Well, you see, ever since SWORD's Special Secret Unit was established, Internal Affairs no longer has jurisdiction over the conduct of Captains and above. That power has been fully transferred here." Michael pointed at himself with a grin. "Which means if you want to report me, you'd have to contact my Den Den Mushi."
Gion opened her mouth, but in the end, she could only force out one word...
"Shameless!"
"Thank you."
After a brief squabble, Gion began telling Michael what SWORD's little misfits had been up to during his absence.
However, as she continued, Michael couldn't stop wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
Those little punks went after pirates!
To be fair, as Navy officers, hunting pirates is perfectly legitimate!
But, as the saying goes, know your limits!
Damn it, those little rascals went fishing in the sea and ended up hooking the biggest great white shark!
Yesterday, after successfully chasing down a group of pirates and sailing their ship back to the Sabaody Archipelago, they encountered a lone, tiny sampan.
(T/N: Sampan is a small boat with a flat bottom)
According to Stella's description to Gion, it looked like a coffin.
A pale, beardless man with a blank expression sat in it.
And her memory stayed frozen on those eyes—burning with fury, sharp like a hawk's.
And a massive black blade.
Apparently, it was Rosinante and T Bone who had to carry these unlucky Devil Fruit users back by swimming.
After hearing the story, Michael began to suspect his subordinates might just be cursed.
They set out to catch some random pirates, and ended up running into a fledgling "Marine Hunter"—Hawk-Eyes Mihawk—who held deep resentment toward the Navy.
Even though he was just starting out and about the same age as Rosinante, his strength was on a whole different level.
And according to Stella's account, the Supreme Grade sword—Black Blade Yoru—was already in his possession.
"So the others just got knocked into the water and couldn't react in time, but what about Stella and Smoker?"
"Nope." Gion shook her head. To one-shot those kids? She could do that too.
But she carried the codename of "Color + Animal"—a major title within the Navy.
Later, Gion investigated the man known as "Hawk-Eyes" and found out he was only twenty-one years old and already had a bounty of four hundred million Belly.
In the future, he'd definitely be one of the Navy's greatest threats!
"The key issue is—originally, Fujitora was supposed to accompany them and watch over things, but... they carried him hand and foot into a casino..."
Michael's face twitched. That kind of stunt...
One hundred percent Smoker's idea!
"How badly are they injured?"
"Not too bad physically. The guy wasn't aiming at them—he went for the ship. The real damage is psychological." Gion couldn't help smirking. "Those little guys had been improving in training, maybe getting a bit overconfident. A hard setback might actually be good for them."
"Hmm. Still, keep an eye on that Hawk-Eyes guy. He only slashed the ship this time, but next time, it might not stop there."
Talent that doesn't belong to any faction... either recruit them fast—
Or take them out.
"Anything else I should know?"
"Yes... actually." Gion's face turned serious. "The World Government has issued a notice. In three days, a group of Celestial Dragons will be visiting the Sabaody Archipelago for leisure."
"Gion..."
Michael suddenly turned around, his eyes lighting up with joy.
"That's clearly fantastic news!"
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